Read all about our annual Gala of 2017 in Orlando!by Christina Mouttet

Executive Director Andrea Ortega (third from the left) and friends at the photo booth.

Gala this year was a blast! Interns, volunteers, and board members alike all met in service of Children Beyond Our Borders, Inc. and its amazing cause. I personally drove down from Gainesville to Orlando to attend the event, and was so glad I did. Meeting other interns and volunteers who I do not normally get to interact with was such a memorable experience. Working with CBOB, we all share the same values for service and involvement and it was amazing to connect with people in these respects. My mom also caught a flight to Orlando for the event and was really impressed by the love and dedication expressed by all the CBOB members.​The food offered by Caribe Blu was everything that was expected and more. Every bite of the Latin cuisine was delicious. The menu of the night was rice, chicken or beef, and tostones. The photo booth was set up at the entrance, so immediately upon walking in there were so many activities going on. The photo booth was especially popular as Gala is a black tie event, so everyone was dressed up in beautiful dresses and suits. Lastly, no night is complete without dancing. If you thought Gala was all serious, you were mistaken!

“It was amazing to have a formal experience in which I could show my support for the children. The food was delicious and they really made it fun with the music and dancing,” said Eva Gluck, a UCF student intern.

Another highlight of Gala was the awards and speeches. This event always includes special honors to the people who most deserve it.

“What made it special this year was the growing amount of nominations and giving awards! That’s always my favorite part and the whole reason we started Gala. I know people might think it’s just for money, but it’s not even our biggest fundraiser. It’s really to showcase our student interns. I also loved having Yosimar and Gina as our MC’s, they were so fun!,” said Andrea Ortega, the Executive Director of CBOB.​Attending Gala made me feel so proud to be a part of a cause that is really making a difference! Seeing it all in action was definitely the icing on the cake. I encourage everyone to see for themselves, and attend next year’s Gala!